Progress for the sake of progress is all too often a drain on precious time and resources. The communities and users that libraries serve are always changing; true innovation helps libraries adapt to meet their needs and aspirations both now and in the future. This stimulating collection offers numerous snapshots of innovation in action at a range of libraries, showcasing ideas and initiatives that will inspire librarians at their own institutions. Among the topics covered are

The importance of creating organizational structures that lead to innovation

Strategies for getting library staff and other stakeholders on board and engaged, complete with a step-by-step toolkit for achieving innovative outcomes

Ways to expand the library beyond its walls to deliver exceptional and innovative services to library users

Money-saving initiatives that use technology to improve users’ experience

Innovative uses of library spaces, such as designing and implementing a digital media lab

Examples of creative programming, from running a C2E2-style comic convention, creating an “idea” forum, to re-envisioning a children’s writing club and launching Readtember, a month of literacy programs featuring zombies, dads, and gaming

16The Business of Ideas: Using a TED-Like Event to Spread Innovation, by Troy A. Swanson

About the Editors and Contributors

Index

About the Editors

Dr. Anthony Molaro is Assistant Professor in the MLIS Program at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is currently researching makerspaces and learning labs in public libraries. His other research and teaching focus is on public services, management, and leadership. He has written and presented on a variety of library topics. He blogs at The Information Activist Librarian and you can follow him on Twitter @infoactivist.

Leah L. White is Head of Popular Materials at the Ela Area Public Library District in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and a member of the Adult Reading Round Table Steering Committee. She won the Library Journal Movers & Shakers Award in 2012. She enjoys reading comic books, Instagramming pictures of her pets, and spending too much time (and money) in independent bookstores. You can find her on Twitter @leahlibrarian or check out her website.

Reviews

”For libraries and
librarians looking for ideas off the
beaten track, this book will provide
some excellent ones. Recommended
for public and academic librarians."
— Catholic Library World

”It is refreshing to read a book about innovation that stresses the importance of diversity and team work. The authors discuss creating an environment that fosters innovation where everyone feels they can contribute and have value. This book will get you thinking about your entire library team as potential innovators."
— Against the Grain

”Full of the essentials for innovation: bright ideas and strong will. It allows readers a chance to look at the experiments of others and encourages library professionals to try them at home … There is truly something to be gained from The Library Innovation Toolkit by any library department or employee as long as one has an open mind."
— Journal of Library Innovation

”This book should be included in any professional literature
collections for libraries looking to innovate. But above all other audiences, this
book is for those in libraries looking to be inspired and to do something new.
As R. David Lankes says in his introduction, '[t]his book is one side of a
conversation; add the other side. Link these ideas into your practice, but also
deeper concepts and theories. Use these ideas, these points, these work plans as
a foundation for a larger personal network of innovation. If readers of this
book take on Lankes’ challenge, the field will be better for it."
— Technical Services Quarterly

Huber and seasoned public library administrator Potter build on insight gleaned from decades of experience to demonstrate how libraries can create real growth opportunities through concentrating on their true mission and purpose.